Colorful Watercolor Paintings

[15 Minutes]

The word art is derived from the Latin “ars," meaning skill. Art is a combination of skill and creative imagination. Art takes on many forms and mediums. Using watercolors, you will be amazed to discover that all the colors of the rainbow magically appear from the three primary (red, yellow, blue) colors.

You'll need:

• wide paint brush • box of watercolors • 1 or more sheets of 8-1/2 inch x 11 inch, lightweight paper • water • fine-tipped markers

What to do:

1. If possible, print out these directions. Read them through with you child before you begin
2. Let your child wet the paper and place it on a smooth surface.
3. Dip the brush into the water and then into the red paint.
4. Challenge her to make an arc with the watery paint.
5. Clean the brush thoroughly.
6. Leave a small space (about 1/2 inch.)
7. Invite her to paiint a yellow arc below the red one.
8. Clean the brush again.
9. Leave another space
10. Encourage her to paint a blue arc below the yellow one.
11. Together, watch the colors run together. Orange and green will magically appear.
12. Let her paint another red arc under the blue, and violet will appear.
13. Let your rainbow dry and then encourage your child to add details to the picture with fine-tipped markers.

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• Have you ever seen a rainbow? Where?
• What are the colors of the rainbow?
• What happens when the colors blend together?